Players, fans excited Larry Bird is returning as Pacers president

Stephenson remained in close contact during season

9:27 PM,
Jun. 26, 2013

FILE - Then Pacers President Larry Bird and head coach Frank Vogel talk during a workout with the Indiana Pacers on June 18, 2012 at Banker's Life Fieldhouse. After a year away, Bird will return to the Pacers for the 2013-14 season.

Written by

Stephen J. Nesbitt
stephen.nesbitt@indystar.com

The Indiana Pacers and their fans were shaken from their postseason slumber Wednesday afternoon by the announcement that Larry Bird will return as Pacers president of basketball operations. Bird, a former NBA player, coach and front-office executive, stepped down last August citing medical reasons and was replaced on an interim basis by Donnie Walsh. Bird will return to the helm, with Walsh remaining with the team as a consultant. "I'm very surprised and excited," Pacers guard Lance Stephenson told The Star. "I was thrilled to hear the news, and I can't wait to see him back as president."